Deuteronomy 2:13
"Now arise and cross over the Brook of Zered." So we crossed over the Brook of Zered.
Now arise
This phrase is a call to action, a divine command from God to the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which means to stand up or to rise. It signifies a transition from a state of rest or inactivity to one of movement and purpose. In the context of Deuteronomy, this command is not just physical but spiritual, urging the Israelites to prepare themselves for the next phase of their journey. Historically, this reflects a pivotal moment where the Israelites are being directed to move forward in their conquest of the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience and readiness to follow God's leading.

and cross
The word "cross" in Hebrew is "עָבַר" (avar), which means to pass over or through. This term is significant in the biblical narrative, often associated with crossing boundaries or entering new territories. In the context of Deuteronomy, it symbolizes a transition from the wilderness wanderings to entering the land God promised to their ancestors. This crossing is both a physical act and a metaphor for spiritual progression, highlighting the faith required to trust in God's promises and step into the unknown.

the Valley of the Zered
The Valley of the Zered is a geographical location that marks a boundary in the Israelites' journey. The Zered is a wadi, or a seasonal riverbed, located in the region of Edom. Archaeologically, this area is significant as it represents the southern border of Moab. Crossing the Zered was a milestone for the Israelites, as it marked the end of their 38 years of wandering in the desert. Historically, this crossing signifies a new chapter in their journey, moving closer to the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land of Canaan. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting His timing and direction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is recounting the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness as commanded by God.

2. Israelites
The people of God, who are journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land.

3. Brook Zered
A significant geographical landmark that the Israelites crossed, marking a transition in their journey.

4. Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years during which the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the Promised Land.

5. God's Command
The directive from God to move forward in their journey, signifying obedience and trust in His plan.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' crossing of the Brook Zered demonstrates their obedience to God's command. In our lives, we are called to listen and act upon God's instructions, trusting in His guidance.

Transition and New Beginnings
Crossing the Brook Zered marked a new phase in the Israelites' journey. Similarly, God often calls us to step into new seasons, leaving behind the past and embracing His future plans for us.

Faith in God's Timing
The Israelites had to wait for God's timing to move forward. We are reminded to be patient and trust in God's perfect timing for the transitions in our lives.

Significance of Milestones
The crossing of the Brook Zered was a milestone in the Israelites' journey. Recognizing and celebrating milestones in our spiritual journey can encourage us and strengthen our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the crossing of the Brook Zered signify in the context of the Israelites' journey, and how can this apply to transitions in our own lives?

2. How does the obedience of the Israelites in this passage contrast with their previous disobedience, and what can we learn from this about the importance of following God's commands?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are attentive to God's timing in our lives, especially when facing significant decisions or changes?

4. How can we identify and celebrate spiritual milestones in our journey with God, and why is this important for our faith?

5. What other biblical events involve significant crossings or transitions, and how do they relate to the theme of faith and obedience in Deuteronomy 2:13?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:12
This passage also mentions the Brook Zered, providing additional context to the Israelites' journey and the significance of this crossing.

Deuteronomy 1:40
Highlights the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness as a consequence of their disobedience, contrasting with their current obedience in crossing the Brook Zered.

Joshua 3:14-17
The crossing of the Jordan River, which parallels the crossing of the Brook Zered, both symbolizing steps of faith and obedience in the journey to the Promised Land.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, AmmonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
People
Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites
Places
Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, Zered
Topics
Arise, Brook, Cross, Crossed, Pass, Passed, Rise, Stream, Torrent, Valley, Yourselves, Zered
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:8

     5336   highway

Library
A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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